Key Highlights

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons for seeing a primary care physician.

Classification of chronic pain may be based on major pain features or by body region: myofascial, musculoskeletal (mechanical), neuropathic, fibromyalgia, and chronic headache syndromes.

One in 3 patients over the age of 65 years is affected by chronic pain, often due to arthritis, osteoporosis with fractures and/or lumbar spinal stenosis. These conditions are treatable and should not be considered part of the normal aging process. Untreated chronic pain in geriatric patients can result in depression, poor quality of life, and loss of independence.

Some treatments, such as stretching exercises, relaxation techniques, antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs, are beneficial for a wide variety of chronically painful conditions.

About 25% to 30% of chronic pain patients treated with opioids will demonstrate medication abuse behavior.